Identification, localization and metal-catalyzed induction of specific metallothionein isoforms expressed by the adult human lens

Purpose. Metallothioneins (MT s) are a large family of proteins involved in multiple protective pathways, including binding of toxic metals and oxidative stress. Previously we detected increased expression of MT IIA in age-related human cataractous lenses. As a first step towards defining the function of MTs in the lens, we sought to establish the expression patterns of those MT isoforms expressed by the adult human lens and identify those toxic heavy metal inducers of MT IIA. Conclusions. This data establishes the spectrum of MTs expressed by the human lens, defines their spatial expression patterns (mRNA and protein level) and establishes that MT RA is induced by CdCl2 and ZnCl2 but surprisingly not by CuCl2 in cultured HLE cells. These data suggest a role for different isoforms of MT in different portions of the lens and also suggests that regulation of MT transcription may play an important role in lens homeostasis and cataract.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year dc:date.available

2001

Author dc:creator

• Opperman, Brian Patrick

Contributors dc:contributor

• Marc Kantorow.

• Molecular biology
• Cellular biology
• Ophthalmology

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1265

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-2268